The late afternoon format, designed to make a better television viewing time for the bulk European audience, made its debut in Australia last weekend.

With the action completing as the sun fell low in the sky, the drivers gave the format mixed reviews, including complaints of glare and flickering shadows from trees.

This weekend it is Malaysia's turn, but the concerns about the 5pm start have grown louder, given the additional likelihood of late afternoon monsoonal rain in the tropical climate.

23-year-old Rosberg, arguing that evening is not appropriate for high speed motor racing, said: "In Melbourne it was obvious that it just increases the danger so much.

"The visibility is so difficult, you can't even see the edges of the track in some corners. I was driving into the sun and that's not what racing is about. So I really hope they reconsider that," he added.

The 'twilight' concept was a compromise for the Melbourne and Sepang organisers, who baulked at the idea of having to install expensive floodlighting - as in the Singapore grand prix - for a fully night-time race.

But Rosberg insists F1 should stage either daytime or properly floodlit events.